Manpower still a problem in oil palm industry

MIRI: The oil palm industry in Sarawak is still hit hard by acute labour shortage, especially now that many from Indonesia are opting to work in plantations in their own country.

Land Development Ministry permanent secretary Datuk Jaul Samion said the industry employed about 100,000 workers of whom about 70% were foreigners.

It has been reported in the media that Sarawak might lose up to RM1bil a year in uncollected fresh fruit bunches (FFBs) as a result of the estimated labour shortage of between 15% to 20%.

Jaul said it would be good if locals could start filling up the void in the workforce to mitigate the problem.

Meanwhile, Assistant Land Development Minister Datuk Gramong Juna said locals, especially participants in various oil palm plantation schemes, should look at working in the plantations themselves as well.

This, he added, would not only ensure that the plantations were well managed but they could also earn more income.

“Sarawak’s oil palm industry really needs support from locals. Now that the minimum wage of RM800 is already being enforced, they should grab this opportunity to earn more,” he said, adding that extra allowances would be given to those willing to work as harvesters.

When asked whether there were other incentives available to draw more locals to work in plantations, Gramong said: “It’s up to the plantation owners. I’m quite sure they (employers) provide housing.”